IAFF Local 3786 the first public safety entity in the U.S. to participate in the TerraPass offset program

The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Local 3786 in Robinsville, N.J., has purchased two TerraPass carbon offsets for frontline emergency response vehicles, Engine 40 and Ambulance 140-10, in the hope of sparking community awareness about the seriousness of global warming and climate change.  

Robbinsville’s career firefighters are doing their part to reduce the adverse impact of their emergency vehicles on the planet. The firefighter’s union contacted TerraPass and had each piece of emergency equipment evaluated for its carbon output and footprint. The vehicles’ distance driven per year, weight and fuel efficiency were evaluated to determine their carbon footprint. With this information, TerraPass determined a fee relative to the carbon output and invested this fee directly into clean, renewable energy wind farms, animal farm power and/or carbon dioxide capturing at landfills.

By purchasing these carbon offsets, the footprint of the two pieces of equipment has essentially been removed from the roadways. The goal is that other emergency service departments, towns, residents and communities consider this short-term option, as well as make other long-lasting changes to help stop the global crisis that affects our planet. The total cost of both offsets for our two emergency vehicles was $558 dollars. An offset for a standard passenger vehicle stands at about $60 to $100 dollars.  

TerraPass was created by a University of Pennsylvania professor and his students, and is third-party verified. All carbon offsets purchased are invested in the year they are purchased. For more information visit www.TerraPass.com. Residents can also visit www.IAFF3786.com for more information.